Making A Referral

Why Make a Referral to the Counseling Center

There are various reasons why you might want to refer a student to the Counseling Center. Some examples follow:

If you think the student’s problem is not getting better and you are becoming more uncomfortable attempting to help the student.

If the student is becoming more resistant to your help or is unwilling/unable to change.

If the student wants to confide in you and asks you to promise that you won’t share what he/she tell you. Never agree to this – the student wants you to feel as trapped as he/she feels and this will only draw you into the dilemma more.

If you notice your own stress level escalating or you begin to regret making yourself available to the student – these are likely signs that you are feeling in over your head.

Should you suggest that the student go to the Counseling Center, do not be surprised if you are met with resistance. Oftentimes, students feel that they already shared what’s bothering them with you (a faculty or staff member) and they don’t want to confide in a stranger at the Counseling Center. This is the time to point out that having an objective professional who specializes in mental health is exactly who they should be seeing. Everything shared will be kept in confidence as required by law. (NOTE: Limits to confidentiality include danger to oneself or others, in which case proper authorities must be notified for the student’s safety.)

How to Make a Referral to the Counseling Center

When classes are in session, students may walk to the Counseling Center or call for an appointment. If the student indicates he/she will walk directly over, let the student know that you will call ahead. This way, you can provide advance information prior to the student showing up for an appointment. If the student needs immediate assistance, a faculty/staff member may walk a student over and indicate that the student’s needs are urgent. In addition, licensed psychologists are available to consult with a faculty or staff member regarding psychological concerns.

The Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday from 8am until 4:30pm when classes are in session.

Any life-threatening mental health emergencies that occur after-hours are handled by contacting Public Safety at 610-436-3311; officers will page the on-call psychologist.

Should a student be receptive to seeing a psychologist but resistant to seeing one on campus, the Counseling Center maintains a listing of area counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. In addition, students with insurance will typically have a Member Services phone number on the back of the insurance card or a web site affiliated with the insurance carrier listed on the card.